Big spender or super saver? There's a Disney World™ trip for you

03.10.2024 - 19:37 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 2, 2024 • 13 min read

Here is the truth: Disney World™ in Orlando, Florida is expensive. But, it's not more (or less) expensive than other bucket list trip. And make no mistake, this is a bucket list experience. It's a right of passage.

At four, my daughter refused to watch movies, but she yet was obsessed with Elsa. So, my husband and I took her to Disneyland to meet Elsa and Anna, to see the live show and feel the princess magic. Fast forward six years, and the memory remains so core to us that when we stepped on the Frozen ride at Epcot and Ana started singing "for the first time in forever", we looked at each other with tears in our eyes.

That trip we did when she was four? The whole thing cost us about $1500, and it was perfect. 

Disney World is much pricier, but the principle remains: you can find a way to do the trip your way, on your budget. For example you can mix and match your budgeting options. Stay in a cheaper resort, but book Lighting Lane passes. Pack in all your meals, but book one character dining dinner (or do a character breakfast — it's cheaper and just as fun). Most importantly, do the planning but don’t worry too much — Disney meets you where you are.

When you start planning a trip to Disney World, start with accommodation. This is a complete destination in itself. Before you start looking in greater Orlando for a place to stay, just don’t. If you book at a Disney resort, your parking (if you’re driving in) and all your transportation within Disney World are included. If you’re flying in, there are plenty of transport options from the airport (for an extra fee). Not only that, but you can get into the parks early and stay later. Trust me it's worth it. 

Save: Like to camp? Book a tent or RV site at Fort Wilderness. You can even bring your beloved pet along for the fun. People love to decorate their sites and get to know their neighbors. There is a huge pool with a water slide and experiences like horseback riding and archery. There is a campfire sing-a-long with Chip and Dale, and you can roast marshmallows under the stars. Wanna know how to get to Magic Kingdom? You ride a boat. Isn’t that so cool? 

Spend: If you’re traveling with the kids and hotels are more your speed, check out Art of Animation. This resort smacks of Disney fun from entry all the way through to your hotel shower. The lobby is lined with larger-than-life sketches of favorite characters pulled from the Disney vault. The pool is filled with Nemo and all his friends. Ursula and King Triton square off in grandiose form, and the rooms are themed. Like really themed. If you ever wanted to spend a night under the sea — this is the place to be. The rooms are on the smaller side, but there are a variety in different